VW breaks EV lap record on Bridgestone tires

Brussels – Volkswagen has broken the electric-powered vehicle lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, using Bridgestone Potenza tires.

The car maker’s fully electric ID.R completed the 20.83km race track in 6:05.336 minutes, beating the previous record by 40.56 seconds.

In a 4 June statement, Bridgestone said it “custom-developed” the Potenza tires to help the ID.R navigate the demanding track.

In particular, the Japanese tire company adapted the tires for ID.R’s low centre of gravity to allow very high cornering speeds.

Another challenge, specific to electric vehicles (EVs) was the “extremely high” torque on the wheel.

“[This means] that the ID.R’s tires must have a strong grip performance in both lateral and longitudinal directions,” Bridgestone added.

The joint project, said Bridgestone, has provided the two companies with a better understanding of the specific challenges related to EVs on- and off-track.

Bridgestone said it would apply its findings in material development and composition, and to improve its growing EV tire segment.

“Our next step will be to apply the findings… to benefit all drivers,” said Mark Tejedor, VP original equipment at Bridgestone EMEA.